Caviar, Champagne and much more!

Our 2023 programme is further enhanced with the inclusion of a Champagne reception, Caviar and Blinis, upgraded Sommelier wine selection matched perfectly for each course, Port with the cheese board, Fortnum & Mason tea, and a memorable gift on departure. We've also brought back Champagne Afternoon Tea which includes a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne per couple.

Condé Nast Traveller

Readers’ Choice Awards 2023

The Northern Belle has been voted one of "the best train trips in the world" by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine for the second year in a row.

The magazine said: "It’s all about the food – and the scenery. The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from UK suppliers so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows and dales roll on by."

The epitome of luxury & elegance

Our mission is simple; to exceed our guests' expectations. We are constantly striving to improve the experience, make special memories for our passengers and operate the most luxurious train.

Experience luxury rail travel at its finest

Beyond the world of ordinary first-class there has been an almost secret world. Since the dawn of railways there has existed a world of private luxury trains and only a handful remain. The Northern Belle is one such Train, and the most luxurious, carefully restored to its former glory by the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. Welcome to our world.

Northern Belle Crest Stamp

News, Views & Offers

Our mission is simple; to exceed our guests' expectations. We are constantly striving to improve the experience, make special memories for our passengers & operate the most luxurious train.

Read our fabulous reviews

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  • 5 out of 5 stars

    A glorious gourmet day out to Scotland

    First trip in 4 years and just as good as ever, if not better - superb, friendly attentive service attending to our every need in that wonderful atmosphere only found on the Northern Belle and the entertainment too from the singing duo and magician at the table. All four of us had a great day out from Carlisle to Dundee - topped off by a tour of Glamis Castle.

    V4592TYpatrickt
    03 Oct 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Transport of Delight

    Went on a circuit of Cumbria on 23rd September. Was originally meant to include a return leg through the Dales on the Settle-Carlisle line, but had to be changed due to engineering works on the line. For us, the alternative route down the coast was even better and so we were very happy with the change. Throughout the whole journey, the attentive staff were outstanding and the food and drink were to genuine fine dining standards. The carriage was beautifully presented. Yes, it is expensive, but you don't mind if the experience exceeds all expectations as this one did. Strongly recommended.

    jamessS9569JD
    26 Sep 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Flying Scotsman to Edinburgh - a taste of days gone by.

    Fabulous excursion from Darlington to Edinburgh made an excellent experience by being hauled by Flying Scotsman to mark its Centenary. Absolutely faultless service, food, and organisation. The preparation and presentation of the carriage (Duart) was superb and was regularly maintained throughout the return journey. Nothing was too much trouble for the hardworking staff who cannot be praised highly enough. Main meal of beef was cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth. Absolutely recommended to anyone. A wonderful day.

    MEllerton
    16 Sep 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    A very fine train journey indeed

    We did the Flying Scotsman centenary special journey - from York to Edinburgh. What a wonderful day! The superb, efficient team worked hard to make our day memorable. The luxurious carriages and excellent food and beverages added to the glamour of the day. I’d recommend one of the Northern Belle journeys to anyone wanting this kind of special day out.

    Corinne H
    15 Sep 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Flying Scotsman Steam Special 100th Anniversary

    What an absolutely wonderful experience. A perfect day with friends spent being served outstanding food and drink by kind, attentive staff whilst relaxing in luxurious surroundings. The whole experience ran like clockwork and will be fondly remembered.

    M1179GMnicko
    15 Sep 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Northern Belle Champagne Afternoon Tea

    Our hosts Emma and Assam worked very hard in hot conditions to make this a memorable experience. The carriage was comfortable, despite the heat, and the food service for our champagne afternoon tea was excellent. We made our way across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk and the food and drink kept flowing and filled the time well. This is a great experience and one we would look to do again and would recommended anyone looking to do an afternoon tea for a special occasion to look at this as it is so different from the norm.

    neillh2016
    09 Sep 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    First Class Experience

    We travelled the Liverpool-Edinburgh route of the Northern Belle as part of a birthday present. We were in the Harlech carriage and attended by Barry, Lily and Del. The overall experience was already good in our view but the staff made it perfect, very attentive, chatty and also helpful with whatever we needed. The job they do is difficult, trying to provide a luxury experience for their guests while being bounced about a railway track, but they did it professionally! not once moaning or groaning about it. Had a superb day, the staff were polite and couldn't do enough and we thoroughly enjoyed it! so thank you guys, you are a credit to the company!

    paulaB1762XT
    30 Aug 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Northern Belle have excellent customer service down to a fine art

    Excellent customer service these days is a luxury, and Northern Belle have this down to a fine art. From the beautifully decorated immaculate carriages, fantastic food with accompanying drinks to the attention to detail, the whole day was a wonderful experience for my family and I.

    05 Dec 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    What an amazing day

    An amazing day of luxury and wonderful service and who doesnt want to go to Devon in a day! This was a day of pure pampering thanks to Anwyn, Phil and Lucy who looked after us on the Belvoir carriage of the Northern Belle. They really were fantastic. Make sure you have dieted for a few days as the food really is amazing and keeps in coming! The service from all three in beautiful surroundings really did make this a special experience and the added bonus was 24 degrees sunshine in Devon. Included was the Dart Valley steam train and ferry tickets to Dartmouth and a lovely afternoon strolling by the river and a glass of wine before we headed back to the Nothern Belle for the journey home. Most people were celebrating an anniversary or birthday so a lovely atmosphere on the train. Worth every penny and 5 star review fully deserved.

    andysE1461YW
    22 Aug 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Excellent trip

    12/8/23 My husband & I travelled on the NB I can’t Thank the ladies enough for their hospitality & generosity on the beautiful, colourful & Very comfortable Chatsworth. The food was endless & the presentation was mouth watering. Tremendous charisma & presence from anwen. What a chatty, friendly, kind & approachable host. Always smiling. Really made us feel relaxed & at ease. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed being passengers in luxury. It was lovely spending the day in trustworthy hands. All the staff work so hard to accommodate for the train. It’s remarkable. Thank you for a special memorable day

    Pam H
    14 Aug 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    An amazing trip

    As a birthday gift from my employers my daughter and I had a trip from Edinburgh to Dumfries House (which included a guided tour), brunch. and champagne reception with a 5 course dinner on the way home. A full day from 9:20 in the morning to arriving back in Edinburgh after 10p.m. and the most wonderful experience from start to finish. You feel very special sitting in the beautiful surroundings (the Alnwick carriage), amazing food, lovely staff and not forgetting the on board entertainment. For anyone wanting to experience something special I would highly recommend the Northern Belle and look forward to doing it again in the future.

    X2867AEelizabethd
    18 Jul 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Ladies who lunch

    What an amazing experience. The train was fabulous and the staff made it their misdion to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Cannot fault the food or the staff. If you want to spoil yourself you must do this trip.

    lornap844
    15 Jul 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Scone Palace from Darlington

    My second trip on the Northern Belle, Darlington to Dundee and an excursion to Scone Palace. Fantastic experience as ever! Family of 4 of us in Chatsworth Carriage which is just stunning. We had an excellent team looking after us and they never stopped working hard to ensure everyone has a good time. We had a mimosa cocktail to start and then breakfast of natural yoghurt, fruit and granola, cheese soufflé with bacon and chive sauce as an alternative to salmon as a non fish eater. Followed by a wide collection of pastries with plenty of choice. The coastline upto Dundee is stunning and the 5 hour trip up took no time at all as we were so comfy. Plenty of tea and coffee throughout. The excursion to Scone Palace was good and we had plenty of time to soak up the palace and gardens and the weather remained kind to us. I would of liked to have looked around Dundee - and may do this on a future trip. We re boarded the train at 5pm for our return journey and the carriage was once again set immaculately with beautiful gift and our Champagne 🍾🥂 We enjoyed canapés again with some alternatives provided for non fish eaters. I passed on the chilled soup as I just can’t get away with it - but others in our party enjoyed it - we had a main of chicken wrapped in parma ham and vegetables followed by fruit pudding and cheese. Again plenty of choice and we were all very merry!! The entertainment was as good as ever provided by the Musicians and magician. All in all a very enjoyable trip.

    grh1981
    15 Jul 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Exceeded my expectations!

    From the moment we got to Durham train station the service on the Northern Belle was fantastic. The staff attention to detail was great. The food was incredible and Glamis Castle was lovely place to visit. I would like to thank the staff to allow me to see their kitchen and talk to the chef. I can't recommend this more highly then say it was worth very penny!

    Roselyn2014
    14 Jul 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Utter Extravagant

    We travelled on The Northern Belle from Cardiff to Truro on 3/6/23. From the minute you board right throughout your journey, you are treated to the luxury of the train. The seats are armchairs, the crockery and glasses are quality and the food is absolutely outstanding. Barry and his team were friendly and professional. We had both musicians and a magician to entertain us. This is our second trip aboard The Northern Belle and certainly hope it’s not the last.

    avrilwilliams
    04 Jun 2023

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